MILAD UN NABI(SWS) PROCESSION IN HYDERABAD,

Devotees take out a procession in old city on the occasion of "EID-E-MILAD UN NABI(SWS)" IN HYDERABAD ON SATURDAY, =======================================================

Saudi Arabia can be an interlocutor with Pakistan: Tharoor

Saudi Arabia,with its close ties with Islamabad, could be a “valuable interlocutor” in improving India’s ties with Pakistan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said here Sunday.“We feel Saudi Arabia has a long and close relationship with Pakistan and that makes Saudi a more valuable interlocutor to us,” Tharoor told Indian journalists here.He was responding to a question on whether India will seek Saudi Arabia’s support to influence Pakistan to address India’s concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistani territory.Tharoor added that Saudi Arabia has its own issues with Al Qaeda.“We expect to have a constructive conversation on the issue. The tentacles of terror have already spread from Afghanistan to Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, and latest is Yemen,” he added.Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s most influential country, was the first to recognise the then Taliban regime in Kabul in the mid-nineties and enjoys enormous leverage with Pakistan.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is currently on a three-day trip to Riyadh, a path-breaking visit that is likely to see the signing of an extradition treaty paving the way for greater counter-terror cooperation between the two countries.
(thanks to way2online)
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With growth back,India budgets income tax relief, higher excise

India Friday proposed a sizeable tax relief for individuals but hiked excise rates and minimum alternate tax in the Rs.11,08,749-crore ($221.75 billion) budget for 2010-11 that steps up outlays for welfare schemes and assures high, inclusive growth.Individuals stand to gain on account of a revision in tax slabs. But they will have to pay more for cars, cigarettes, petrol, diesel, cement, jewellery and a host of consumer goods, even as they have to shoulder higher airfare due to service tax on such travel.Presenting the budget in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also estimated a lower fiscal deficit of 5.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), against the revised estimates of 6.7 percent for this fiscal.He said 46 percent of the plan allocation will be set aside for infrastructure alone and 37 percent for social welfare programmes, while substantially hiking outlays for rural and urban development schemes, as also for education and healthcare.“Today, as I stand before you, I can say with some confidence that we have weathered the crisis well,” Mukherjee said in his 100-minute speech, recalling the hard days faced by the economy in the past two years, while rolling back some purse-loosening measures.“That is not to say the challenges today are any less than they were nine months ago, when the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) was voted back to power under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”
Mukherjee proposed the following tax slabs for individuals: No tax for an annual income of up to Rs.160,000, a rate of 10 percent for up to Rs.500,000, then 20 percent for up to Rs.800,000 and finally 30 percent on anything higher. (Rs.50 approximately equals $1)At the peak rate this will entail a saving of up to Rs.50,000, and an overall hit of Rs.26,000 crore ($5.2 billion) for the exchequer. “The proposal to reduce the tax slab will benefit 60 percent of all tax payers,” said Mukherjee, bringing cheer to people.But he also sought to hike the minimum alternate tax to 18 percent of book profits from the present 15 percent, though he lowered the surcharge from 10 percent to 7.5 percent, which will have a direct impact on the bottomlines of large companies.The finance minister was interrupted several times, led by an eventual walkout by most opposition members, when he sought to restore the 5 percent basic duty on oil and 7.5 percent each on petrol and diesel, and imposed a Rs.1 excise on these two fuels.“The customs duty was withdrawn when the prices of the petroleum crude reached as high as $122 per barrel. When it is much softer, there is no reason to continue the same concession,” he told reporters later, setting the stage for higher fuel prices.On augmenting resources, Mukherjee said Rs.25,000 crore ($5 billion) was raised by way of divestment in state-run companies during the current fiscal, adding that he was budgeting for Rs.40,000 crore ($8 billion) for the ensuing year.The finance minister also promised to implement the direct tax code from April next year and assured a simplified foreign investment policy soon, even as excise rates were hiked across the board by 200 basis points.Those in the packed house presided over by Speaker Meira Kumar included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.This was Mukherjee’s fourth budget of his career as finance minister and the second for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in its second straight term after being voted back to office in May last year.“The finance minister has done a right mix of estimating the growth requirements and at the same time building in it a certain amount of moderation on the price front,” said Manmohan Singh, who has himself presented five budgets in the past.“He has done a commendable job.”Stock markets also gave thumbs up to the budget, which resulted in the sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange closing with a gain of over 175 points, or 1.08 percent, while industry hailed the proposals as pragmatic and growth oriented.During his speech, Mukherjee said three challenges remained for the economy – to quickly revert to high growth of 9 percent and cross to double-digit expansion; make growth more inclusive and develop infrastructure; and strengthen food security.“We hope to breach the 10 percent growth mark in not-too-distant future.”                                 (thanks to way2online)
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PROCESSTION OF "MILAD-UN-NABI"(SWS) IN OLD CITY, HYDERABAD

(PHOTOS BY RSJ THOMAS Sr PHOTO JOURNALIST)

Author, two others held for hurting Muslim sentiments

Two men N.Innaiah and Subba Rao were Friday arrested in Andhra Pradesh's Khammam town for helping an author in writing a book that reportedly hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims, police said.Police Thursday arrested Macha Laxmaiah alias Krantikar, author of "Crescent over the world - is a boon or the silent Holocaust" containing blasphemous comments about Islam, the Prophet and the Quran. A case was booked against him for hurting the religious sentiments of the community. The arrests followed massive protests by Muslims in Khammam, around 250 km from Hyderabad. They took out a rally, demanding action against the author and those who helped him. Muslims alleged that the book contained articles from banned books "Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie and "Lajja" by Tasleema Nasreen, along with a blasphemous cartoon published in a Danish magazine. Police said they seized 380 books of the first volume and 410 books of the second volume of the publication in different parts of Khammam district. Khammam superintendent of police Anil Kumar said efforts were being made to seize all books despatched to other areas. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah told the state assembly that the police arrested the author and seized the books. He said stern action would be taken against anyone disrupting peace and communal harmony of the state. His assurance came after Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) raised the issue and demanded action against the guilty. Police sounded an alert in Hyderabad, Khammam and other places to prevent any untoward incident. Additional police forces were deployed in the old city of Hyderabad where 'imams' or clerics, during their Friday sermons, condemned the author and those who supported him. ==========================================================

President’s Milad-Un-Nabi greetings

(PIB NEWS) The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, which is being observed tomorrow, has said: - “On the occasion of the Milad-Un-Nabi, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens. May the message of compassion, tolerance and service to humanity preached by the Holy Prophet inspire and guide us to follow the path of kindness and universal brotherhood.”
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Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari greets people on Milad-un-Nabi

(PIB NEWS)The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi which is celebrated to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammad. In his message he has said that Prophet Mohammad showed mankind the path of compassion, tolerance, love, brotherhood and righteousness. His message has the power to lift the human race from ignorance, violence and moral decay to a life of peace, virtue and spiritual fulfilment. Following is the text of the Vice President’s message : “I extend my greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi which is celebrated to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad showed mankind the path of compassion, tolerance, love, brotherhood and righteousness. His message has the power to lift the human race from ignorance, violence and moral decay to a life of peace, virtue and spiritual fulfilment. May the enlightened message of the Prophet unite us all and guide us on the path of peace and harmony.”
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PM greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un–Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed. In a message, the Prime Minister said that the universal teachings of love and compassion of Hazrat Mohammad inspire us to work for universal peace and brotherhood.

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Instructions given to pay salaries to eSeva staff regularly

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology K.Venkata Reddy today said necessary instructions were issued to the contract service providers to pay the salaries to the employees working in e-seva centres regularly.Replying  to the question raised by J Prabhakara Rao (Congress) during Question Hour in the Legislative Council, the Minister said instructions were given to the contract service providers to pay salaries to the employees as the government was releasing the funds to them from time to time.He said salaries to the employees have been paid upto December 2009 in all eSeva centres in the state by the service providers.aHe instructed that salary for the month of January be released.Mr Reddy said in all,1579 employees were working in eSeva centres across the state. ===================================================

TDP members stage walk out from Andhra Pradesh Council

The Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members today staged a walk out from the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council during Question Hour, alleging that the Minister had not properly replied to their question on reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on gold.Dissatisfied with the reply of State Minister for Roads and Building G Aruna Kumari on the question raised by TDP members Y V B Rajendra Prasad and Ch Varaprasad, the TDP members walked out of the House, protesting that the Chairman had not allowed them to raise supplementary questions.Earlier, the Minister said the rate of VAT had been enhanced with effect from January 15 this year from 12.5 per cent to 14.5 per cent on items like motor vehicle (except tractors) tyres and tubes, engine oil, lubricants, white goods, cement and cement products, cosmetics, cigarettes, gutka and furniture.She said an amount of Rs 19,814 crore had been realised during the current financial year till January 31, 2010, and there was no proposal to enhance the tax on any other item.
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Sops for Andhra, especially Telangana, in rail budget

The ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday welcomed Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s budget that offered many sops to the state and gave special attention to the Telangana region.For the first time in recent years, the state did not get a raw deal with the 2010-11 budget offering a railway wagon factory, a sports academy, 22 new railway lines and 14 new trains.
The wagon factory and sports academy will come up in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad. The new trains include Secunderabad-Mumbai, Hyderabad-Ajmer, Madurai-Hyderabad-Pune, Secunderabad-Tirupati and five other trains from Tirupati to Secunderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kanchi and Goa.
A special MMTS train will be operated between Falaknuma and Lingampally stations in Hyderabad. The running of two long-distance trains has also been extended.Telangana, which is witnessing a mass movement for statehood, got special attention in the railway budget, with the region accounting for more than half of the proposed railway lines for the state.Four of the 22 new railway lines will be laid with assistance from the state government.Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar said it was a welcome railway budget. He claimed that due to sustained lobbying by MPs, Banerjee agreed to sanction several new trains and railway lines for the state.The opposition, however, criticised the budget. Leader of opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu said the minister had disappointed people of the state. He said the allocation for the state was not sufficient to complete pending projects.Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leader and former legislator Harish Rao said for the first time since the formation of Andhra Pradesh, so many new railway lines were sanctioned for the Telangana region.  (thanks to way2online)
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PRANAB MUKHERJEE,GIVING FINAL TOUCHES BUDGET-2010

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee giving final touches to the General Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 25, 2010. The Minister of State (Revenue), Shri. S.S. Palanimanickam, the Minister of State (E,B&I), Shri Namo Narain Meena and the Secretaries of the Ministry are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30576)
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State Level Urdu Convention conclude with enthusiasm at Aurangabad

Aurangabad: (Syed Khaja Sohel) State level Urdu Convention began on 19 Feb come to conclude with enthusiasm .The last day seminar on literature in the morning session, while noted poet Bashar Nawaz would be presented with Ifteqar-e-Adab award .Poet from all over india present on this occasion nated poet Munnawar Rana (Lucknow) Mumtaz Rashid (Delhi) Deepti Mishra (Noida) Mumtaz Pir Boy and Habib Hashmi make event colorful . On this day Wakf Minister and chairman of the reception committee Aref Naseem Khan conclude the session and vote of thanks.  first left in the picture syed khaja sohel, correspondent  (DECCAN SAMACHAR DAILY)and Hon'ble Minister are also seen,
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INTERNATIONAL Civil Aviation Exhibition in Hyderabad from March.3-7

An estimated 200 companies from the civil aviation sector will participate and 40 different types of aircraft will be on display in the 5-day second edition of international exhibition and conference on civil aviation that will kick off in Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh from March 3.''From India, there will be 75 companies and the rest will be foreign ones that will participate in the event. The partner country will be France and the focus country in the event will be the United States,'' Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told a news conference here today.He said the Indian aviation industry has been growing from strength to strength and today it stands on the ninth rung globally, a fact the country takes pride in.The Ministry of Civil Aviation will organise the exhibition jointly with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.''Twenty countries will be participating and more than 500 delegates from over ten countries will attend the conference,'' Mr Patel informed.He said when the event was held in the year 2008 the gross area was 10,000 sqm but this time it would be 12,000 sqm, a testimony of the growing stature of the event.Asked whether there were security concerns for the event due to the ongoing Telangana agitation in the southern state, he answered: '' The state government is on board with us regarding the issue and it has assured us all support for making the event a big success.So, there is nothing to be worried about.''
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R A I L B U D G E T - 2 0 1 0 -1 1

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HIGHEST EVER PLAN INVESTMENT OF RS. 41,426 CRORE IN THE ANNUAL PLAN OUTLAY

The Union Minister for Railways, Km. Mamata Banerjee departs from Rail Bhavan to Parliament House along with her deputies, Shri E. Ahamed and Shri K.H. Muniyappa to present the Rail Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 24, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30548)

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(PIB NEWS) The Annual Plan outlay for the year 2010-11 has been proposed at Rs. 41,426 crore, which is the highest even plan investment. Presenting the Railway Budget for the year 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that the plan would be finance through Gross Budgetary Support of Rs.15,875 crore, Diesel Cess of Rs. 877 crore, internal resources of Rs. 14,523 crore and Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of Rs. 10,151 crore including market borrowing through Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) of Rs. 9,120 crore. The Railway Minister said that within the limited resources available, thrust is being given to expansion of the network. She said that to achieve the target of 1,000 kms of new line set for year, the allocation has been increased substantially from Rs. 2,848 crore to Rs. 4,411 crore. Kumari Mamata Banerjee made an allocation of Rs. 1,302 crore for improving passenger amenities as compared to Rs. 923 crore in the previous Railway Budget. Presenting the Budget Estimates for 2010-11, the Railway Minister said that the target for freight loading for the ensuing financial year has been kept at 944 MT, an increase of 54 MT over RE 2009-10. She said that Budget Estimates for freight, passenger, sundry other earnings and other coaching earnings have been kept at Rs. 62,489 crore, Rs. 26,127 crore, Rs. 3,171 crore and Rs. 2,778 crore respectively. A sum of Rs. 200 crore has been kept apart for clearing the outstanding dues of the Railways with an intention to initiate special efforts to clear such dues. The Gross Traffic Receipts have been projected at Rs. 94,765 crore by the Railway Miister.The provision for Ordinary Working Expenses for 2010-11 has been kept at Rs. 65,000 crore which is Rs. 500 crore lower than the Revised Estimates for the previous year. Appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund has been kept at Rs. 7,600 crore and Appropriation to Pension Fund at Rs. 14,500 crore in 2010-11. The Total Working Expenses will be Rs. 87,100 crore and Net Revenue Rs. 9,782 crore. After meeting the estimated Dividend liability of Rs. 6,609 crore, the projected ‘Excess’ is Rs. 3,173 crore with the targeted Operating Ratio of 92.3% and the Excess is proposed to be appropriated to Development Fund (Rs. 2,800 crore) and Capital Fund (Rs. 373 crore).
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No increase in passenger fares or freight tariffs,MAMATA

(PIB NEWS) There will not be any increase in the passenger fares of any class or category of trains. Similarly, there will not be any increase freight tariffs. Presenting the Railway Budget for the year 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that in the present economic situation, when the country is about to return on a high growth path, she did not wish to impose any burden on the citizens.
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Concessions for,PRESS CORRESPONDENTS,film technicians and cancer patients

(PIB NEWS) The Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee today proposed to enhance the concession to cancer patients upto 100% in 3 AC and Sleeper Class. Presenting the Railway Budget 2010-11 in Parliament, the Minister said at present Railways grant a concession of 75% in 3 AC and Sleeper Class to cancer patients going for treatment, together with an escort. She also proposed that technicians of regional film industry when traveling for film production related work will be eligible for 75% concession in Second Sleeper, 50% concession in First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier, AC 2 tier in all trains including Rajdhani/Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdis. Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that Press Correspondents are currently given a concession of 50% for their travel along with spouse, once a year. It is now proposed to extend this concession to companion of those correspondents who do not have a spouse, and dependent children up to 18 years, once a year.
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Archaeological Excavation in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS) Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Narayanasamy has said that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working to strengthen the archaeological excavation work in the State of Andhra Pradesh. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, during the last three years, ASI carried out excavation / scientific clearance works in Andhra Pradesh at (1) Ancient Buddhist Mound, Alluru, District Krishna. (2) Ancient Buddhist Mound, Kotturu, District Visakhapatnam (3) Buddhist Mound, Kodavali, District East Godavari (4) Buddhist Mound, Ghantasala, District Krishna (5) Ancient Mound, Kantamanenivari gudem, District West Godavari and (6) Ancient Mound, Kondapur, District Medak.
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Ministry of I&B calls for caution in coverage of incidents of terrorist attacks

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has advised electronic media to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents of terrorist attacks. The text of the fresh advisory is as follows: “This is in continuation of the directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 27th November 2008 and 3rd December 2008, regarding the coverage of incidents by electronic media during terrorist attacks in Mumbai. In the said directive, TV channels were asked to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents to avoid any adverse consequences on the rescue operations. It has also been noted that in the past some TV channels arranged and telecast interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups. In a particular case, a prominent TV channel telecast a phone interview with a dreaded terrorist who tried to internationalize the Kashmir issue using the electronic mass media. This kind of coverage can cause confusion amongst domestic and international audiences. The interviews with terrorists have also provided a platform to them to justify their nefarious activities and obtain coverage on prominent channels which is seen as a major achievement and enabling them to put forward their distorted views to a wide audience. Such undue coverage to terrorists and allowing them to air their views freely can jeopardize national security as well. This matter has been under examination in this Ministry and in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government has taken a very serious view regarding airing of interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups by TV Channels. While the media has generally played a very constructive role in bringing out relevant issues regarding terrorism and has condemned terrorists for their brutal and ruthless ways, it must, however, be again emphasized that media must continue to cover terrorism and terrorist related issues with great responsibility and sensitivity. In the interests of national security and on the advice of Ministry of Home Affairs, the media is hereby advised to avoid giving undue coverage to terrorists and terrorist groups which may help them to advance their political agenda. Such coverage would amount to gross violation of the provisions of the Programme Code contained in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules framed thereunder.”
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Coaching to Minority Students

(PIB NEWS) The University Grants Commission (UGC) has provided coaching under (i) ‘Remedial coaching at Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels’, (ii) Coaching for Entry in services and (iii) Coaching to prepare for National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) for lectureship’, during the Xth Plan for beneficiaries belonging to the minority communities in the country. From the XIth Plan onwards the UGC coaching schemes for minorities have been merged under the scheme of Development grants. In addition, UGC has provided assistance to Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow and Aligarh Muslim University for setting up of ‘Residential Coaching Academies for Minorities/SCs/STs and Women’. This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Lok Sabha today.
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Show proof of Maoist link to Telangana stir, says apex court

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Andhra Pradesh government to substantiate its claim that Maoists have infiltrated the student ranks of Osmania University, which is spearheading the movement for a new Telangana state.“Where is the input of the infiltration inside the campus? What is the proof available? We would like to have it,” a bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly said as senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, made the claim.As the state government’s lawsuit challenging an Andhra Pradesh High court ruling for removal of paramilitary forces from the Osmania University campus came up, Salve said the troopers are indispensable and could not be shifted.He said the state has intelligence inputs suggesting that the university has been infiltrated by Maoists who are trying to take control of the movement for a new state.The bench then sought intelligence inputs to back the claim and adjourned the matter for further hearing Feb 25, as Salve agreed to furnish the intelligence to the court by Wednesday.The bench also extended till Thursday its earlier order suspending the state high court’s Feb 16 order to the Andhra government to pull out the paramilitary forces from the Osmania campus.The state government challenged the high court order, saying the court cannot order the removal of paramilitary forces from the campus which is a hotbed of the Telangana agitation. (thanks to way2online)======================================================

AP assembly urges pro-Telangana youth not to commit suicide,

The Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly Tuesday appealed to the youths and students of Telangana not to commit suicide over the issue of statehood to the region even as three more youngsters ended their lives since Monday.Speaker N.Kirankumar Reddy made the appeal on behalf of the entire house after Chief Minister K. Rosaiah made a statement, urging youths not to resort to the extreme step.“Your lives are precious. The state needs your lives. I, on behalf of the entire house, appeal to you not to commit suicide,” the speaker said.Leader of Opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu also made a similar appeal while voicing his concern over the spate of suicides.Earlier, Rosaiah urged the youths and students not to commit suicide and express their opinion in a peaceful and democratic manner. He welcomed the Osmania University students’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) decision not to resort to violence and its appeal to students not to end their lives.The chief minister told the house that the issue was sensitive and everybody has his opinion. “But this opinion should be expressed in a peaceful manner without causing inconvenience to people,” he said.He advised them to convey their views to the Srikrishna Committee formed by the central government to look into the statehood issue. Stating that all regions were equal for him, Rosaiah assured the house that he would abide by the central government’s decision.Naidu said all should exercise restraint. “This is a sensitive issue. The youths are taking their lives in emotion. The government should advise police to act with patience while tackling protests by students and youths,” he said while condemning police baton charge on Telangana advocates in New Delhi Monday.Meanwhile, desperate over the delay in formation of a separate state, three more youngsters committed suicide in Telangana since Monday. One person each committed suicide in Ranga Reddy, Medak and Warangal districts.They included 18-year-old girl student who committed suicide by hanging at Moinabad in Ranga Reddy district. In her suicide note, Sarita, a Class 12 student, blamed Rosaiah.and Chandrababu Naidu for being hurdles in formation of the Telangana state.Last week, a 19-year-old student had immolated himself in full public view during a protest at Osmania University in Hyderabad city.Pro-Telangana parties claim that more than 300 people have committed suicides for Telangana during last three months.  (thanks to way2online)
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UNION MINISTER SHRI DAYANIDHI,INAUGURATING EXPO

The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Dayanidhi Maran inaugurating the 16th India Carpet Expo organised by the Carpet Export Promotion Council, in New Delhi on February 23, 2010. The Minister of State of Textiles, Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi and the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Rita Menon are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30533)
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FINISHING TOUCHES TO RAILWAY BUDGET,MAMATA

The Union Minister for Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee will be giving finishing touches to the Railway Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 23, 2010.
Ministers of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed and Shri K. H. Muniyappa, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri S. S. Khurana and other Board Members are also seen.  (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30537)
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Performance of PSUs in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS)As per registered offices, there were nine Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) functioning in the state of Andhra Pradesh as on 31st March 2009. In addition, there were 93 other CPSEs which had their presence in the state. The expenditure, in terms of real investment (gross block), in these 102 CPSEs amounted to Rs. 66260.94 crore as on 31st March 2009 (i.e. the second year of 11th Five year Plan. This information was given by Shri Arun Yadav, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. =======================================================

Steps taken to promote Unani Medicine in the Country

(PIB NEWS) I. National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM)

In order to promote the formal study of Unani system of medicine the Government of India has set up the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) at Bangalore in the year 1984. NIUM has a strength of 74 PG students. In addition to the 5 PG courses currently being offered it plans to commence 8 new PG Degree courses in two phases. NIUM also plans to commence PG Diploma Courses in Unani Medicine in Regimental Therapy, Pharmacy and Skin Disorders. In addition collaborative clinical studies on major diseases with other scientific organisations/industries are being undertaken.
II.Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
i.The CCRUM is being developed as a Nodal Centre for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Reorientation of Training Programme (ROTP) for teaching faculty in Unani medicine and private practitioners in Unani medicine.
ii.Unani drugs developed by the CCRUM are being introduced in NRHM programme.
iii.New centres in the states/Union territory where Unani infrastructure is presently not available are being set up.
iv. C.C.R.U.M. is also being developed as a Nodal centre for Research Registry in Unani System of Medicine.
v.Organisation of Health Camps on large scale particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh has been done under Public Health Intervention.
vi. Standards of 150 single/compound drugs have been finalized.
vii. Extra Mural Research Projects (EMR) are being taken up.
III. Other central sector scheme
The other central sector schemes of the Department of AYUSH under which it is planned to promote Unani system of medicine are:
(A) Under the Centers of Excellence Scheme the Department of AYUSH has identified and granted financial assistance for following projects:
i. Naimat Science Academy, Chennai for upgrading into Center of Excellence for Unani Regimental Therapy, at a cost of Rs. 250 lakhs.
ii. Sahara Foundation, Hyderabad for upgrading and establishing “Dr. Ahmed Ashraf Memorial Unani Specialty Treatment Center for Paralysis (Falij)” at a cost of Rs. 250.56 lakhs.
iii. Ibn-e-sina Academy, Aligarh at a cost of Rs. 100 lakhs.
(B) Various Unani institutes/NGOs are being supported under different schemes of the department like Public Health Initiatives, Acquisition, Cataloging, Digitization & Publication of text books etc.
(C) Two state level Government Unani Colleges (Government Nizamia Tibbia College, Hyderabad, A.P. and Government Ayurvedic & Unani College, Karol Bagh, Delhi) have been identified for upgrading as National Institutes at a cost of Rs. 50 crore each. This information was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri S. Gandhiselvan in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.
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Pricing of Natural Gas ,

(PIB NEWS) The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that the National Oil Companies, viz., ONGC and OIL, have reported a loss on account of APM gas production, which leads to lack of investment for Exploration and Production activities. Views of the concerned Ministries, Departments and Planning Commission have been sought on the proposal to revise the APM price. The issue would be decided after taking all the views into consideration. Shri Deora added that the price of gas under the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) was last revised on ad-hoc basis in 2005. The Minister also said that the actual impact on cost of generation from the existing gas-based plants can be assessed once the decision with regard to increase in APM prices of natural gas is taken. Further, additional inflow to the Government by way of royalty, VAT, corporate tax, dividend and dividend distribution tax would also have to be considered. ======================================================

Reactions to President's Address on expected lines

Political parties came out with reactions to the President's Address to the Joint Session of Parliament today on expected lines with the ruling party hailing it as an' indicator of nation's progress' and the Opposition rubbishing it as 'directionless and devoid any vision.' Senior Congress leader and Minorities Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the facts and figures contained in the Address signalled towards great progress the country had achieved." It reflects the government's resolve and vision to take the nation to greater heights by way of economic prosperity, social justice and equal opportunities for all," Mr Khurshid said adding that the government was also committed towards the welfare of the minorities.On price rise, he said," mehngai to NDA ke zamane bhi thee( Price rise was there during the NDA regime too)." BJP senior leader M M Joshi said the President's Address was a " mere list of government programmes and had brought down its prestige. It has no vision, no direction and goals." On the government's failure to contain price rise, Dr Joshi said the Manmohan Singh government had evolved " no price and wage policy" with the result that now the aam aadmi had borne the brunt of the unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities." When you leave the issue to the commmodity exchanges, adopt the consumerist model of development and not review the disastrous economic policies, price rise is bound to raise its ugly head again and again," the BJP leader said.He also came down heavily on the government for adopting what he called as "faulty" Wholesale Price Index and the Consumer Price Index.''The government has been saying for ten years that it want to change them but of no use." Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said the Address emphasised that the promises made by the government last year had been implemented." It indicates towards great mass response to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme, high GDP, agricultural production and rural connectivity and welfare measures for the unorganised sector... all this shows as to how the country is making strides in the right direction." Senior Congress leader and Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy endorsed the views of his Cabinet collegues.However, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee chose not to speak to the press when they were asked to give their reactions.
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Andhra pradesh Disabled free from now' campaign from Feb 26

A.P-Chief Minister, will launch a state-wide campaign to make 'AP Disabled Free from Now' here on February 26, according to State Disabled Welfare Principal Secretary Chaya Ratan.Addressing a press conference here today, Ms Ratan said a study conducted by the state had found that 14 lakh people (about two per cent of the state population) were suffering from disabilities and a majority of them could be prevented if intervened at right time with some behavioural changes.The Chief Minister would flag off the rally from the Secretariat to People's Plaza to sensitise people on preventive steps, she said, adding the campaign would be taken across the state to highlight the need for stopping marriages among close blood relations, child marriages and pregnancy before 18 years.''We need to propagate pregnancy as a special lifetime event and treat expectant mother with care and protection -- ensuring good nutrition, proper healthcare, stress-free environment, 100 iron and folic acid tablets and a safe institutional delivery,'' she said.She stressed the need for timely immunisation of both mother and child, adequate nutrition with stimulating environment for children, especially colostrum at birth and exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, Vitamin A supplements for children, safe drinking water and iodised salt consumption daily by family. ======================================================

Zero tolerance of terrorist activities: Patil

The government had a “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism and remained vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by the threat, President Pratibha Patil Monday said.“Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principled policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups,” Patil said, addressing a joint sitting of both houses of parliament on the opening day of the budget session.Detailing some measures taken by the government to strengthen the security apparatus, Patil said the establishment of the four National Security Guard (NSG) hubs, the operationalisation of the National Investigation Agency and strengthening the Multi-Agency Centre that analyses intelligence alerts on a real time basis had helped hinterland security.“The overall internal security, law and order and the communal situation remained largely under control during 2009. Infiltration of terrorists from across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up,” she said.“Even then, the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the north east, but left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.”                                            (thanks to way2online)

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Dr. Manmohan Singh arrives at the Parliament House to attend the Budget Session

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh arrives at the Parliament House to attend the Budget Session, in New Delhi on February 22, 2010. The Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal and the Minister of State of Planning and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Narayanasamy are also seen.  (Photo by No:CNR-30516)
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Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil being led in a ceremonial procession to the Central Hall of Parliament House,

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil being led in a ceremonial procession to the Central Hall of Parliament House to address the Members of both the Houses of Parliament on Budget Session, in New Delhi on February 22, 2010. The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, the Vice President and Chairman Rajya Sabha, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30519)
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ROSAIAH ,presents tax-free Rs 1,13,660 crore budget

With Andhra Pradesh economy showing signs of recovery after being impacted by the global economic slowdown, Chief Minister and Finance Minister K Rosaiah today presented a Rs 1,13,660 crore tax-free budget, continuing the Congress Government's focus on development and welfare, the twin-engines for putting the state on right track of growth.Presenting the budget estimates to the State Assembly for the 16th time and for the first time as Chief Minister, Mr Rosaiah, in the backdrop of stir for and against division of the state, exhorted one and all to sink differences and join hands to bring back the state on the right track of economic growth to emerge once again as a model for others toemulate.Estimating revenue for 2010-11 at Rs 1,13,675 crore, including state share in revenue of Rs 62,702 crore, Mr Rosaiah proposed an expenditure of Rs 73,347 crore under non-plan and Rs 40,313 crore under plan.Talking to reporters after presenting the budget, Mr Rosaiah, expressing satisfaction over presenting a ''reasonable budget'' in the wake of global economic slowdown, said the Budget had reasonable allocation for various sectors with focus on welfare and development activities to achieve economic growth with equity. With the 13th Finance Commission recommendations on devolution of Central Taxes and Fiscal Deficit limits to be followed by states yet to be announced by the Centre, the state government had decided to curtail Fiscal Deficit to Rs 12,983 crore (2.97 per cent of GSDP) during 2010-11 as against Rs 14,282 crore (3.60 per cent of GSDP) during 2009-10 in the wake of the Centre permitting four per cent fiscal deficit last year.Earmarking Rs 3,000 crore for subsidising the Rs two-a-kg rice scheme and Rs 4,500 crore for providing free power to peasants for seven hours to energise farm pumpsets, Mr Rosaiah provided lion's share of Rs 15,011 crore for the irrigation sector. ======================================================

Congress pulls out of all-party panel on Telangana

The struggle for a separate Telangana state Friday received a setback with Congress leaders from the region deciding to walk out of the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) and chalk out their own course of action.

A meeting of Congress ministers, parliamentarians and state legislators from the Telangana region decided to form the Telangana Congress Action Committee.“We were so far working with the JAC, but from today (Friday) we will have our own action committee to organise programmes at various levels,” Congress legislator and former minister Jana Reddy told reporters here.The party leaders were unhappy with the JAC for directing all elected representatives from the region to resign over the terms of reference of the Srikrishna Committee formed by the central government to look into the Telangana state issue.They also took exception to JAC activists laying siege to their houses to pressurise them to resign.So far, only 15 out of 110 legislators from Telangana have submitted their resignations and assembly Speaker N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has accepted resignations of 12 of them, including all 10 of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).Only two of the 50 Congress legislators from Telangana submitted their papers. The Congress central leadership is trying to convince both of them to withdraw their resignations.While the Congress leaders have refused to resign, those from opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sent their papers to JAC convenor M. Kodandaram to build pressure on the ruling party.The meeting of Congress leaders also decided to request the central leadership to reduce the tenure of the Srikrishna panel. It asked for the panel’s report by Sep 30 instead of Dec 31.Meanwhile, Kodandaram reiterated that only the resignations of elected representatives could force the central government to initiate the process of formation of Telangana state as per its Dec 9 statement, which said the process for a separate Telangana state will be initiated soon.He said the Srikrishna Committee would be of no use as its terms of reference were not favourable for the formation of Telangana state.He said the JAC would intensify the movement for separate state and would announce its future course of action in a couple of days,  (thanks to way2online)
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Shri Salman Khurshid to Inaugurate a Conference on the occasion of International Mother Language Day tomorrow

(PIB NEWS) Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister for Minority Affairs, will inaugurate a Conference on the occasion of International Mother Language Day here tomorrow. The Conference has been organized by the Commissioner Linguistic Minorities (CLM) with a view to encourage multilingualism and to facilitate mother languages as medium of instruction. The Conference will discuss and suggest: (i) Action Plan for developing Mother Languages as medium of instruction in all primary schools of the country. (ii) The steps for funding by the Central/State Governments for implementation of safeguards for linguistic minorities. (iii) A Communication and Media Policy to make linguistic minorities aware of their rights/ safeguards. The Census Commissioner & Registrar General of India; Chairpersons/ Directors from UGC, NCERT, SCERTs, CIIL-Mysore, Tribal Research Institutes; Resource Persons and officers from the Central Government, the Education Secretaries/Nodal Officers from the States/UTs and the Delegates of Linguistic Minorities Associations representing different languages from all over India are expected to participate in the Conference. The International Mother Language Day is being observed on 21st February since 2000, to foster unity and harmony while ensuring linguistic and cultural diversity to flower and prosper. It was so proclaimed by UNESCO’s General Conference in November, 1999.
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12th National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions begins

(PIB NEWS) The Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan today called for new initiatives for a more efficient, accountable, responsive and transparent governance in the country. “If a public servant does not have fire in the belly to make a change, and motivation for public service, he cannot be an agent of change. Dedication and willingness to serve the people is as important as professional competence”, he said. He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 12th National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions, here. Shri Chavan said that the civil services have to attune themselves to the climate of change and help to translate developmental programmes into viable statutes and effective administrative acts. “They must accept the totality of the Indian heritage and function without any parochial, linguistic, religious, caste or class prejudice. The overall efficiency in the civil services is reflected in the social, economic, and political justice and equality of status and opportunity, which are cherished in the preamble of our Constitution. The Public Service Commissions immensely contribute in these noble values by their recommendations to the Government in molding the civil services”, he said. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman, Union Public Service Commission and National Chairman of the Conference, Prof. D. P. Agrawal said that selecting the right person for the right task is the only way to build a strong, prosperous and just nation and it is the job of the Public Service Commissions to make it happen. “In order to enable us to discharge our constitutional obligations in full measure, it is imperative that we review our methods and procedures to meet the new challenges and adapt ourselves to the new environment of technological advancement”, he said. Prof. Agrawal said that the National Conferences of Chairpersons of State PSCs have been instrumental in improving the functioning of State PSCs. “The Conference has provided a platform for brainstorming and discussions on matters relating to methods of recruitment, personnel policies, conduct of examination, etc.”, he informed. He lauded the efforts of the Standing Committee of the National Conference in bringing out a ‘Compendium of Best Practices’ of the State PSCs, Rules of Procedure, Model Code of Conduct and a compilation of Court judgments that have a bearing on the functions of State PSCs, ======================================================

Vice President Inaugurates a Conference on ‘Islam & Oriental Religions’

(PIB NEWS) The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the inter-faith dialogue has emerged as a prominent civil society initiative between nations and groups in the post-Cold War world, amidst the “Clash of Civilisations” debate and the raging ethnic and religious conflicts in various parts of the globe. Delivering inaugural address at a conference titled “An International Dialogue between Islam and Oriental Religions” here today he has said that the “The Alliance of Civilizations” initiative under United Nations auspices connects people and organizations devoted to promoting dialogue among political, religious, media and civil society leaders, particularly between Muslim and Western societies. Other such dialogue frameworks include the Cordoba Initiative on improving Muslim-West relations, the Madrid Dialogue Conference that was a Saudi-Spanish effort, the Assisi interfaith work of the late Pope John Paul II and the Common Word initiative of Muslim scholars. The Vice President emphasised on the need to go beyond tolerance; the imperative for religious concord in a framework of equality is evident and compelling. This would be achieved only through a sustained, candid and uninterrupted dialogue without a syndrome of superiority or inferiority and with the objective of locating common values conducive to the maintenance of ethical standards essential for social harmony and furtherance of common objectives. The process of locating these values would bring forth other commonalities. Experience over time of shared public space and national common resources in everyday interaction, and mechanisms that blur boundaries through management of differences, would assist the process.
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Stop police atrocities,Telangana Congress MPs ask PM,Sonia

Congress MPs from Telangana have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, asking them to intervene to stop police atrocities against the people of the region.The MPs, who met here Thursday, narrated the plight and harassment of Osmania University students at the hands of the police last week.“The police attacked the girls hostel. They molested the girl students after switching off the lights,” said Congress MP Madhu Goud Yaskhi, who represents the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency in parliament. The Andhra Pradesh High Court Tuesday had taken serious note of the incidents, especially the beating up of girl students by the police, switching off the electricity supply, and firing of teargas shells in the dark.“The police and the state administration are trying to brand the students of Osmania University as Maoists. The state government and the police are misleading the nation,” Yaskhi saidHe said that eight Congress MPs from the state had decided to write the letter.“We are under pressure from the people. They are asking us to quit (as MPs). Angry people came to my home in Nizamabad and asked me to resign and join the agitation. Some even attacked my home.“All Congress legislators and MPs from Telangana are facing such a situation. This happened because the police provoked the people. The state government is responsible for such a provocation,” Yaskhi said. He said the MPs wanted the officials responsible for last week’s attack on students and journalists at Osmania University punished.“Deploy senior police officials, who belong to other states, in the region. We won’t get justice from the police officers who oppose the Telangana cause,” Yaskhi said.He said the Congress MPs would raise the issues of the people of Telangana in the forthcoming session of parliament.“We will raise the issues in appropriate parliamentary forums,” Yaskhi said.  (thanks to way2online)
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Police action: Andhra Congress divided over court order

Legislators of the ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh stand divided over the state high court order on police action against students of Osmania University protesting for a separate Telangana state.A day after two legislators from the Andhra region took exception to the court reprimanding the government and police and making certain observations about the state governor, a legislator from Telangana Friday criticised the raising of the issue in the assembly.Shankar Rao, who represents one of the assembly constituencies in Hyderabad, told the house during zero hour that the action of the legislators was not proper and this had hurt the sentiments of the Telangana people.Deputy Speaker N. Manohar stopped the member from speaking further and pointed out that Speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy has already reserved his ruling over the issue
Two Congress legislators, Malladi Vishnu and Mahidhar Reddy, had Thursday raised the issue in the house. They said the court’s remarks against the governor, government and police could send a wrong message to people.

Leader of opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu took exception to the members raising the court directive in the house.
While ordering the government to pull out paramilitary forces from the Osmania University campus earlier this week, the court had severely reprimanded police for beating up students, including girl students and mediapersons.Justice Narasimha Reddy pulled up the police saying it was lawless and even the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues were helpless. It lambasted police chief Girish Kumar for not respecting his order. The judge also remarked this was happening despite the fact that a renowned former police officer was the governor of the state. He was referring to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, former director of the intelligence bureau.The division bench of the high court Tuesday dismissed the government’s petition challenging the Justice Narasimha Reddy’s order to remove the paramilitary force from the campus.The single judge bench had again pulled up police Thursday and asked the government why the probe into the incidents not handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Though the government had pulled out paramilitary forces from the campus, it filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, seeking a stay on the high court. The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, while posting the hearing to Friday, asked the state who permitted the deployment of paramilitary forces on campus. He remarked it was not a good sign,  (thanks to way2online)
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Secretary Urban Development reviews JNNURM Projects

(PIB NEWS) A meeting to review the progress of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was called by ministry of Urban Development, here today, Presiding over the meeting Dr. M. Ramachandran , Secretary, Urban Development stated that second and final instalment of the ongoing projects under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) will not be released if the Reforms committed are not completed as per the timelines. So far 520 projects under Urban Infrastructure Governance (UIG) Sub Mission – I of JNNURM have been approved at a total cost of Rs. 58041.79 crores. Under UIDSSMT 753 projects have been approved at a cost of Rs. 12234 crores. Out of which 102 projects have been completed and 84 more projects will be completed by the end of March, 2010. So far, the overall progress made in implementation of the Reforms under JNNURM at State and ULB level, is more than 50% of the Reforms committed till the fourth year. States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have shown good progress. Representatives from the State Governments of Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh participated in the discussion.
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US envoy extends ‘hand of friendship’ to Indian Muslims

Wearing a black business suit and a pearl necklace sparkling in the dimly lit lawns of the India Islamic Cultural Centre here, Farah Pandith, the US Special Representative for Muslims, bowed her head low and listened with rapt attention as a cleric recited a verse from the Quran.The verse was about Allah’s command asking people on the earth to be just with each other and Pandith, a Kashmiri-born American diplomat, seized the opportunity trying to convince Indian Muslims that the US was a friend.The 42-year-old envoy, on her four-day visit to India, Wednesday evening seemed to connect with her audience well as she began her short speech with the traditional Muslim greeting “Salaam Alykum,” or “peace be upon you”, of course in a heavy American accent.Pandith highlighted President Barack Obama’s “vision to build partnerships with Muslim communities across the globe on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect”.“I repeat that it is based on mutual interest and respect and I extend my hand of friendship and partnership with you,” she said, addressing an invited gathering of mostly Muslims.Pandith assumed the coveted post in June last year, days after Obama’s bold overture to the Islamic world in his historic Cairo speech on June 3, 2009. The president in his speech had expressed sympathy for the Palestinians and called for Americans and Muslims to abandon their mutual suspicions and do more to confront violent extremism.Pandith is not the only Muslim in the Obama administration. The president recently appointed Rashad Hussain, a deputy White House counsel, to be the special envoy to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, an intergovernmental group with 57 member states that calls itself the collective voice of Muslims. Hussain is a Quran expert who has memorised the holy book in his early age.Eboo Patel, an Indian-American Muslim from Chicago, is also in the White House on Obama’s advisory council for faith.Pandith said the US was focussing on the Muslims because they formed one-fourth of the world population “Our country wants to build partnership with the Muslims. Secretary (Hillary) Clinton asked me to work with the Muslim community as much as we can.”And the key focus, she asserted, would be young generation. Her endeavour was to reach out to the grass roots of Muslims “in the countries where Muslims are either in majority or minority”, she stated.Pandith was on a her first official visit to India after she was appointed as the Muslim envoy June 23, 2009, by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.“And since then (her swearing in on Sep 15 last year), I have been travelling all around the planet to befriend Muslims for a common good,” Pandith said, adding: “We are doing this in a wide range of initiatives in fields like science, technology, education and health.”She said the relationship with Muslims would have to move from government-to-government level to “people-to-people contact”.“We are engaging young Muslim generation in dialogues and conversations to build trust and remove misunderstandings,” she said.Pandith had to confront some harsh questions from other speakers about the United States’ Afghanistan, Iraq and Middle East policies. She listened to them, smiled and shook her head while they were speaking, but diplomatically avoided answering them directly and repeatedly said that America wanted to develop “an intellectual partnership with Muslim masses”. (thanks to way2online)============================================================

High Court pulls up police for Osmania University incidents

The Andhra Pradesh High Court Thursday once again pulled up state police for using force against students and journalists on the Osmania University campus last week and asked them why the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should not be asked to probe the campus violence.

The court took serious note of the police baton charge and firing of teargas shells. Justice Narasimha Reddy sought reply to many questions from Joint Commissioner of Police P.S.R. Anjaneyulu, who appeared before him on his directions.Reprimanding the officer for his handling of the situation, the judge wanted to know why the police had to resort to indiscriminate baton charge on students. He was also asked why girl students and journalists were beaten up brutally and what was he doing when his men were damaging vehicles of mediapersons. The police admitted that they set afire the vehicles of media persons.Advocate General D.V. Sitarama Murthy informed the court that a detailed report on the incidents of Sunday evening and Monday morning on the campus would be submitted on March 1. Following his submission, the court adjourned the hearing of the case.The judge also wanted to know from the joint commissioner of police how many policemen were deployed on the campus and who passed the orders for their deployment.Scores of students and media persons were injured when police baton charged them on the campus during students’ protests over the demand for statehood to Telangana.Dealing with a petition of a Telugu TV channel journalist who was injured in the police action, the judge Tuesday ordered the government to pull out all paramilitary forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF), from the campus.The government, however, went for an appeal against his order before a division bench, which dismissed it the next day.All paramilitary forces have been removed from Osmania University, the nerve centre of ongoing Telangana agitation.The same judge earlier remarked that the police were lawless and even the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues were helpless in controlling the actions of the state policemen.Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the police is already probing the incidents. The State human rights commission is also conducting an inquiry, (thanks,way2online)
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Talk to opposition first, then to Pakistan: Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Thursday asked the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to first talk to the opposition on national security issues and then to Pakistan.

Intervening on the national security resolution presented by Arun Jaitley, Modi said: “The UPA government is saying that since we are a mature democracy, we are ready to initiate talks with Pakistan. But I am saying, the UPA is very keen to talk with Pakistan but has no time to talk with the main opposition (party).“I demand that the central government first talk to us and then move forward for talks with Pakistan.Modi’s comments came a week before foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan meet in New Delhi. India had earlier insisted that it would not talk to Pakistan until the latter stopped supporting anti-India militant groups. The BJP is opposed to any dialogue with Pakistan.
Modi alleged that the Congress-led government was not serious about battling terror. He asked the government not to treat terrorism casually.
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Jyotiraditya Scindia meets Israel President – discusses possibilities of developing further cooperation

(PIB NEWS) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry presently on a two day (16-18 February) visit to Israel, called on President Shimon Peres and discussed various aspects of India-Israel bilateral cooperation. Shri Scindia stated that the proposed free trade agreement between India and Israel is expected to give a major boost to trade and economic cooperation. Shri Scindia also discussed possibilities of developing further cooperation in high tech areas including IT, Bio-technology, and Nano technology to take advantage of mutual core competencies. The two sides also exchanged views on the global challenge posed by terrorism and ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the area of homeland security. Both the leaders agreed to emphasise on cooperation in the application of science & technology particularly in areas related to agriculture and water management. Later, Shri Scindia met Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade & Labour Mr. Benjamin Ben-Eliezer. The Minister underlined the fact that R&D constitutes a fundamental basis for core competence in multiple industrial areas for both countries. Shri Scindia proposed that a practical step to enhance high tech cooperation would be to set up a Government to Government joint technology incubator initiative in India with representation from both sides including the private sector. He also met leading Israeli industrialists to discuss promotion of trade and commerce between the two countries and delivered a Keynote Address on “Indian Economy in the Next Decade – an Engine for Growth” at a seminar jointly organised by the Israeli Export and International Cooperation Institute and the Embassy of India.The bilateral trade figure for the last fiscal (2008-09) was US $ 3.55 billion with exports from India amounting to US $ 1.5 and imports to India amounting to US$ 2.09 billion. Bilateral trade increased at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent over the last five years.
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PAWAR-RELEASING "ICAR PUBLICATIONS" BOOK

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Agriculture, Shri Sharad Pawar releasing the book “ICAR Publications” at the inauguration of the Vice Chancellors’ Conference of Agricultural Universities, in New Delhi on February 17, 2010. The Minister of State of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Professor K.V. Thomas is also seen.  (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30468) ======================================================

Instructions issued for strict adherence to revised procedure for grant of Conference Visa

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently issued instructions to all Central Ministries / Departments and Chief Secretaries of all State Governments/UTs advising them to strictly adhere to the revised procedure for grant of Conference Visa to foreign participants coming to India for attending international conferences, seminars, workshops etc. The detailed guidelines in this regard were earlier put in place on 15th July, 2009. These instructions have been issued so as to ensure that all organizers of such international events strictly adhere to the time line for submitting their proposals to this Ministry at least six weeks before the commencement of the event. This would ensure that security clearance for the event and for the participants could be suitably assessed. The issuance of these instructions had also become necessary because security vetting is a time-consuming process and most of the organizers of international events were not strictly adhering to the time schedules prescribed. 2. As per the revised procedure, while the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) grants in-principle approval for holding the event, security clearance for grant of Conference Visa is required from this Ministry only in respect of participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Sudan and in respect of foreigners of Pak origin and Stateless persons. The participants from other countries can obtain Conference Visa from the Indian Mission concerned on production of (i) invitation letter from the organizer, (ii) event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, (iii) administrative approval of the nodal Ministry, (iv) political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs and (v) clearance from the State Government/UT concerned
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